Slow-Roasted Rosemary Lamb Shoulder

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When it comes to slow-roasted meats that warm your soul and elevate your Sunday dinner table, this Slow-Roasted Rosemary Lamb Shoulder is everything you want and more. With a golden-brown crust infused with fresh rosemary and garlic, this dish is all about deep, herby flavors, tender texture, and that fall-off-the-bone finish that makes everyone come back for seconds.

The magic lies in the slow cooking. As the lamb shoulder roasts gently, the fat renders slowly into the meat, keeping it juicy while developing rich caramelized edges. Served alongside creamy mashed potatoes or a rustic bean salad, this lamb shoulder turns even a simple dinner into a special occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Slow-Roasted Rosemary Lamb Shoulder

This dish is ideal for holiday gatherings, lazy weekend meals, or meal prep for the week. The flavor of rosemary shines through without overpowering the natural richness of lamb, and the garlic adds a savory undertone that ties everything together. It’s also a great choice if you’re feeding a crowd—minimal prep, big flavor.

Plus, leftovers taste even better the next day! Shred it into wraps, toss it with pasta, or layer it in sandwiches.

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What Kind of Lamb Shoulder Should I Use?

For this recipe, bone-in lamb shoulder is best. The bone adds extra flavor during the long roast, and the meat becomes incredibly tender. If you’re buying from a butcher, ask for a 4 to 5-pound bone-in shoulder, and request the fat cap be left on—that fat is flavor gold!

If you can’t find bone-in, boneless lamb shoulder still works. Just reduce the cooking time by 30-45 minutes and check doneness with a fork.

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Ingredients for the Slow-Roasted Rosemary Lamb Shoulder

Each ingredient in this recipe plays an important role in layering flavor and ensuring perfect texture:

• Lamb Shoulder (Bone-In): The star of the show, rich and tender when slow-cooked.
• Fresh Rosemary: Adds earthy, piney flavor that pairs perfectly with lamb.
• Garlic Cloves: Crushed and roasted to mellow sweetness, they infuse the meat deeply.
• Olive Oil: Helps the rub stick and aids in browning.
• Sea Salt: Enhances all the natural flavors of the lamb.
• Black Pepper: A touch of spice to balance the savory elements.
• Lemon Zest: Brightens the rich lamb with a citrus pop.
• Beef Broth or Red Wine (for roasting): Keeps everything moist and adds depth to the pan juices.

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How To Make the Slow-Roasted Rosemary Lamb Shoulder

Step 1: Prepare the Lamb Shoulder

Pat the lamb dry with paper towels. Score the fat in a crosshatch pattern. This allows the seasoning to penetrate and the fat to render evenly.

Step 2: Create the Herb Rub

In a small bowl, mix chopped rosemary, crushed garlic, olive oil, lemon zest, salt, and pepper into a paste. Rub this generously over the lamb, pressing into the scored fat.

Step 3: Marinate (Optional but Recommended)

For best flavor, let the lamb marinate in the fridge overnight. If you’re short on time, let it rest at room temperature for at least an hour before roasting.

Step 4: Slow Roast

Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). Place the lamb shoulder in a roasting pan with a splash of beef broth or red wine. Cover with foil and roast for 3.5 to 4 hours. Remove the foil for the last 30 minutes to get a crisp crust.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Remove from the oven and let the lamb rest, covered loosely with foil, for 20 minutes before slicing or shredding. Spoon pan juices over the top when serving.

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How to Serve and Store Your Slow-Roasted Lamb Shoulder

This hearty lamb shoulder can feed 6 to 8 people, making it perfect for family dinners or special occasions. To serve, pair it with sides like roasted carrots, mashed potatoes, or a light salad to balance the richness.

To store, refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a low oven until heated through to preserve moisture.

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What to Serve With Lamb Shoulder?

Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Creamy and rich, perfect for soaking up those flavorful pan drippings.

Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup

This creamy broccoli cheddar soup is a cozy pairing that complements the earthiness of the lamb.

Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Shells

Try these cheesy spinach stuffed shells for a hearty vegetarian side that balances the meatiness.

Dad’s Creamy Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes

You’ll love the contrast of cheesy layers with the herb-roasted lamb.

Easy Veggie Patties

These easy veggie patties offer a crunchy contrast.

Colorful Rainbow Bean Salad

Add freshness and fiber with a bean salad packed with herbs and lemon dressing.

Grilled Asparagus with Lemon

A simple vegetable side with bright flavor to cut through the richness.

Buttery Dinner Rolls

Warm rolls are perfect for mopping up the savory jus.

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Want More Dinner Ideas with Big Flavor?

If you loved this Slow-Roasted Rosemary Lamb Shoulder, you’ll definitely want to try these:

• Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna for a seafood pasta twist.
• Buttery Garlic Pork Chops with Mashed Potatoes for another meat-forward dinner.
• Crockpot Swiss Steaks for comfort food that cooks itself.
• Beef Pasta in a Creamy Garlic Sauce for a rich pasta pairing.
• Creamy Beef and Shells that balances simplicity and indulgence.

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Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how your lamb shoulder turned out! Did you go with beef broth or red wine? Add any extra herbs or sides that made it sing?

I love hearing how you personalize these dishes. Questions are always welcome—let’s make roasting magic together.

Explore beautifully curated hearty dinner ideas on Nora Nosh Recipes and discover your new go-to comfort foods!

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